Journey with Confidence RV GPS App RV Trip Planner RV LIFE Campground Reviews RV Maintenance Take a Speed Test Free 7 Day Trial ×
 


Reply
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread Display Modes
 
Old 04-23-2019, 01:50 PM   #1
Winnebago Camper
 
Join Date: Apr 2019
Posts: 20
Towing my '04 Wrangler TJ

Hello again, Thanks to many of you on here I have started to understand dial in my new (used) Adventurer 32V.

Tires properly inflated. Check
Cheap Handling Fix. Check
Safe T Plus Steering stabilizer. Check
New Bilstein suspension. Check

Now, how do I tow my Jeep?
I see on Quadratec and other sites tow bars that look just fine in the $200-$300 range. Do I need the $1000 Blue Ox tow bar with suspension arms...?

Also Brakes. Again seeing braking mechanisms for $1000 + out there. Are these a "Must Have" or are there safe, economical, mechanical alternatives out there.

If these prices start to be around $2000 to tow my Jeep, I my just get a nice Alumalite tandem trailer and be done with it.

Thanks
John
benefishall is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-23-2019, 02:39 PM   #2
KMG
Winnebago Camper
 
KMG's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2019
Posts: 36
As a former 04 TJ rubicon owner, I have to ask you how do you intend to use your Jeep? Off road fun increases the chances for a mechanical failure meaning a trailer is the only way to go. Also the trailer can be used for other purposes.
Attached Thumbnails
Click image for larger version

Name:	IMG_1831.jpg
Views:	121
Size:	390.5 KB
ID:	171452  
KMG is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-23-2019, 04:29 PM   #3
Winnebago Camper
 
Join Date: Apr 2019
Posts: 20
Well my Jeep is a bone stock X Wrangler that I currently use as my summer commuter and that's it.
Never really intended for it to be an off road toy and will only be towing it for the wife and I to island hop the Florida Keys once a year.

Thanks,
John
benefishall is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-23-2019, 06:16 PM   #4
Winnebago Master
 
Join Date: Oct 2017
Location: Elk Grove, CA
Posts: 3,571
I can't advise you on the tow bar issue but, if you tow, braking systems are not only a must-have but are legally required in most, if not all states (on vehicles weighing 3,000 lbs or more). In addition a break-away braking system is also required.

INSA RV Products' ReadyBrake systems are effective and much less expensive than other options. And, being purely mechanical they don't rely on electricity, electronics or pneumatics. Furthermore there's nothing to take in or out of your vehicle. There's one version, the ReadyBrute Elite that comes with an integrated tow bar for about $1,100 (Amazon) and the ReadyBrake that doesn't include the tow bar for about $417 (Amazon). The break-away system will be another $97.

From what I've seen on the various forums, those who have the ReadyBrake or ReadyBrute like them very much (including me) and the negative comments seem to be from those who don't own them.

Ready Brake and Ready Brute Home
__________________
Bob C
2002 Itasca Suncruiser 35U
Workhorse Chassis
BobC is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-24-2019, 07:52 AM   #5
Winnebago Camper
 
Join Date: Apr 2019
Posts: 20
Hey Bob, thanks for the info.
And sorry, I may not have been clear when I said are brakes a "Must Have". I am aware that I need a brake system and wouldn't consider towing a vehicle without.

The Ready Brake looks exactly like what I was looking for. Is the install a difficult one?
Has anyone done this install with an older Wrangler?

Thanks for the help.

John
benefishall is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-24-2019, 08:33 AM   #6
Winnebago Owner
 
IOS 3's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2018
Location: Kingsland, Texas
Posts: 192
Hi John - If you flat tow the jeep there are many options (and cost ranges) for doing so as you described. After considering all the options, including the flexibility to take something other than the jeep every time, I bought a tandem axle open car hauler from ATC. My tie-down kit is from Mac's. And of course I installed a brake controller in the Vista. Takes about 20 minutes to load the jeep, 10 to unload. I like that I can take my other cars if I choose. I occasionally take a classic to car shows... You will hear lots of pros and cons on trailering, so decide what's best for you personally. For me the pros of the trailer are flexibility to take any car, braking system is integrated and easily adjustable, I can back up if needed (and have needed to), and because the trailer is so long and on torsion suspension, the MH behaves better with the loaded trailer behind it. Cons include maintaining 4 tires on the trailer, storing the trailer in general, storing the trailer when you get there, and for some a con is overall length. My 27N is 28 feet and the car hauler is 24 so my overall is comfortable. Works for me but not everyone. Good luck. Happy to discuss trailer in more detail as needed.
__________________
DAT in TX
2018 Vista LX 27N
2022 Minnie 2529RG
IOS 3 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-24-2019, 08:57 AM   #7
Winnebago Master
 
Join Date: Oct 2017
Location: Elk Grove, CA
Posts: 3,571
Quote:
Originally Posted by benefishall View Post
Hey Bob, thanks for the info.
And sorry, I may not have been clear when I said are brakes a "Must Have". I am aware that I need a brake system and wouldn't consider towing a vehicle without.

The Ready Brake looks exactly like what I was looking for. Is the install a difficult one?
Has anyone done this install with an older Wrangler?

Thanks for the help.

John
I installed the ReadyBrake on a Honda Odyssey and it took me a while but wasn't overly difficult. From what I've read, Wranglers are a bit more accessible. In a nutshell, you're running two cables from the front grill through your firewall to the brake pedal. It's a good idea to install it at the same time you install your baseplate.

If you Google "ReadyBrake Jeep Wrangler" you'll come up with a lot of info, including this video which is pretty good:

__________________
Bob C
2002 Itasca Suncruiser 35U
Workhorse Chassis
BobC is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-24-2019, 09:04 AM   #8
Winnebago Master
 
Join Date: Oct 2017
Location: Elk Grove, CA
Posts: 3,571
I don't see that anyone has mentioned the weight issue. A tandem vehicle trailer plus a Jeep Wrangler could put you over your 32V's GCVW, not to mention your hitch capacity that I'm guessing is 5,000 lbs.
__________________
Bob C
2002 Itasca Suncruiser 35U
Workhorse Chassis
BobC is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-24-2019, 09:20 AM   #9
Winnebago Camper
 
Join Date: Apr 2019
Posts: 20
Yes, I have thought about both of those scenarios. And yes Bob C, that was the first thing on my mind.
My Jeep (with soft top, solid doors) should weigh in at about 3,400lb's +/-. And, an ATC custom tandem axle aluminum (7x14) trailer comes in just south of 1,100lb.
So there's 4,500lb's right there. And you all know that, if we have space we will use it!

And since I plan on packing the jeep with a small outboard, inflatable dinghy, and a hitch bracket with cooler, I'd be real close to the 5,000lb limit using the trailer.

So without the trailer, that saves me 1,100lb's and perhaps some MPG's...

Currently looking at the Ready Brake/Ready Stop and I like what I'm seeing.
Now all I need is to figure out the wiring part.

Love the site and thanks again to all.
benefishall is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-24-2019, 11:36 PM   #10
Winnebago Owner
 
Join Date: Aug 2018
Posts: 68
I’ve been towing a 05 TJ for 7 years. I got an used tow bar from Craigslist for 300 and a base plate for 150. I also use the ready brake. For my lights I removed the rear lens cover, drilled a hole just above the existing bulb, installed a bulb socket and bulb. I ran the wires from the new light socket underneath to the front if the Jeep and plug into my motor home Works great
jeepster05 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-25-2019, 07:54 AM   #11
Winnebago Camper
 
Join Date: Apr 2019
Posts: 20
Hey Jeepster, Thanks for the info.
I'm interested in what you did. Do you have any pictures or part numbers/names. Did you get a trailer wiring kit that you used?
benefishall is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-28-2019, 04:26 PM   #12
Winnebago Owner
 
Join Date: Mar 2017
Location: Chino Valley, Arizona
Posts: 64
I have a 2010 JK Wrangler Sport with Ready Brute Elite. I had it professionally installed by Summitt Jeep in Prescott AZ. He custom made the clevis connectors for my Rugged Ridge front bumper. Takes 5 minutes to hook up or disconnect.

Pull the PTO pins, remove the 3 cables & 2 safety chains!

Well worth the money!!
https://photos.app.goo.gl/NgTQHmbTYKAa9W1x6
__________________
2016 Holiday Rambler Ambassador towing 2010 Jeep Wrangler
rhodesaz is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-28-2019, 04:57 PM   #13
Winnebago Camper
 
Join Date: Jan 2018
Location: Ocean Isle Beach, N.C.
Posts: 46
Blog Entries: 1
Just installed the Ready Brake system on my 04 Liberty myself. Easy Peasy and I’m NO mechanic. Just followed the YouTube video step by step. The baseplate went on and I actually was able to find a place for every nut and bolt I removed in replacing the fender sections and front bumper. . It was a bit frustrating finding a path for the brake cable through the firewall but I got it done in one day. Also I think finding the correct wiring harness where you can use the factory installed bulbs in the Jeep instead of drilling and putting in additional sockets was a huge time saver. We love our Ready Brute Elite system though. There should be a video on the best way to actually use it once installed though, it took a few attempts to get that mastered. For the price I think that’s the best system out there.
TonyOIB is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-28-2019, 08:25 PM   #14
Winnebago Camper
 
Join Date: Jan 2019
Posts: 6
We flat tow a 2018 JL jeep, we use the blue ox tow setup, and yes they are a bit pricey, that is rated for 10k#'s (not hash tag &#128521 a car hauler wasn't going to work for us because our truck tips the scale at 8000 pounds so with a trailer we are over motorhome rated capacity (10k), besides we use it to tow the boat. The jeep will be used for mild offroad/exploring (flat dirt roads, I am way to old for rock crawling anymore), plus getting around for going to national parks and such with the occasional trips into town an launching jet skies (we have more toys than drivers, grandkids are almost old enough to tow, and we don't use the motorhomes to launch and retrieve water toys). I selected Blue Ox because the people I talked to are very happy with the performance of the system. I still haven't figured out which brake system I like. Bottom line is do your research, and make the best informed decision and go with it. Do what works best for you.
P.S. I just let the wife think it was her idea to get a jeep or is it the other way around 😁.
Kernbob is offline   Reply With Quote
Reply

Tags
tow, towing


Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread
Search this Thread:

Advanced Search
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are Off
Pingbacks are Off
Refbacks are Off


Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Minnie Winnie and 2016 2 Door Wrangler Motts461 Towing, Hitching and Vehicles 8 06-30-2018 06:53 AM
For Sale: Jeep wrangler JK towing bumper with Blue Ox mounts Boulderman Parking, Parts & Accessories For Sale & Wanted 0 05-18-2018 06:45 PM
Sightseer 35J towing Jeep Wrangler modo Winnebago Class A Motorhomes 12 08-09-2013 12:05 AM
Towing a '98 Wrangler (Questions) abarebonzi Towing, Hitching and Vehicles 9 03-12-2008 04:23 AM
Dinging towing (flat towing) Toyota F J Cruiser akasusie Towing, Hitching and Vehicles 15 11-27-2007 10:18 AM

» Featured Campgrounds

Reviews provided by

Disclaimer:

This website is not affiliated with or endorsed by Winnebago Industries or any of its affiliates. This is an independent, unofficial site.


All times are GMT -6. The time now is 10:14 PM.


Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.8 Beta 1
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions, Inc.